Search Results (612)

This longitudinal study examines how perceived brand globalness (PBG) influenced sustainable purchase intentions (SPI) between 2021 and 2024, incorporating factors such as perceived brand quality (PBQ), perceived brand prestige (PBP), brand–cause fit (BCF), and the moderating effect of consumer ethnocentrism (CE). Using survey responses from 415 participants, the study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS4. The findings reveal that CE emerged as significant in 2024, while PBP’s impact on SPI weakened—suggesting a growing consumer association of prestige with sustainability. Heightened post-pandemic ethical awareness further underscores the importance of brand values. Contrary to earlier research indicating low CE in developing markets, the 2024 results demonstrate an unexpected rise in CE, highlighting its evolving significance. Overall, the study emphasizes the necessity for global brands to adopt sustainable, locally attuned strategies to succeed in developing countries. Full article

Globalization and market saturation have led Portuguese textile companies to seek international markets not only for growth but also to contribute to their country’s international image. This study aims to explore how the internationalization of the Portuguese textile sector into the Chinese market contributes to Portugal’s destination image and identify the critical success factors in this process. The research follows an inductive, qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with two groups of companies: those already operating in China (n = 5) and those preparing to enter the market (n = 5). The interviews were thematically analyzed to extract key patterns and insights. The findings reveal that successful companies operate in the luxury segment, rely on prior international experience, and often use local intermediaries. Firms planning to internationalize highlight quality differentiation, brand authenticity, and innovation as strategic advantages. These insights support the role of niche positioning and cultural adaptation in building both commercial success and a refined international image of Portugal. This study contributes to the literature by linking internationalization and destination branding through industry-specific case evidence and offers practical implications for managers targeting emerging markets like China. Full article

This study explores sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship within the Urlaub am Bauernhof (UaB) cooperative network in Austria, offering an integrated model that unites financial, social, environmental, institutional, and marketing dimensions. Employing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) on data from 393 farm-based accommodation stakeholders, this research identifies sustainable entrepreneurship as comprising six interconnected dimensions: Economic Resilience and Diversification, Sociocultural Integration, Environmental and Regional Commitment, Market Visibility and Strategic Communication, Quality Assurance and Institutional Support, and Perceived Value and Branding. This multidimensional and hierarchically structured framework reflects the complex yet coherent nature of sustainability-driven entrepreneurship in cooperative tourism networks. The findings confirm the multidimensional nature of sustainable entrepreneurship and support the hypothesized structural relationships. The UaB network is presented as a transferable model that demonstrates how cooperative frameworks can enhance sustainability, regional identity, and rural revitalization, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for rural regions in the Western Balkans, where economic challenges, depopulation, and underdeveloped tourism infrastructure prevail. By illustrating a successful cooperative approach rooted in sustainability and regional identity, this study contributes to policy-making aimed at fostering resilient, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible rural tourism entrepreneurship in transitioning contexts. Full article

This study investigates the critical determinants of customer retention in casual dining restaurants within the context of the post-pandemic “new normal.” Anchored in service quality and consumer behavior theories, the research examines the influences of food quality, health measures, perceived price, brand image, ambiance, and location on customer decision making. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data from 336 respondents in the National Capital Region, Philippines were analyzed to assess the relationships among these variables and their effects on restaurant selection and customer retention. The results reveal that food quality (β = 0.698, p < 0.05) exerts the strongest influence on restaurant selection, followed by health measures (β = 0.477, p = 0.001), perceived price (β = 0.378, p < 0.02), and brand image (β = 0.341, p < 0.035). Furthermore, health measures (β = 0.436, p = 0.002) and restaurant selection (β = 0.475, p < 0.05) significantly enhance customer retention, while ambiance and location were not found to be significant predictors. These findings offer theoretical contributions to the service quality and consumer trust literature and provide practical and policy-relevant insights for food establishments adapting to health-driven consumer expectations. The study highlights the need for the strategic integration of safety protocols, pricing value, and brand positioning to foster long-term loyalty and resilience in the evolving food service market. Full article

This study focuses on a profound paradox in eco-hotel evaluations: why do consumer ratings for location, a static asset, exhibit dynamic fluctuations? To solve this puzzle, we construct a two-stage signal-processing theoretical framework that integrates Signaling Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). This framework posits that the dynamic trajectory of a hotel’s green attributes (encompassing eco-facilities, sustainable practices, and ecological experiences) constitutes a high-fidelity market signal about its underlying quality. We utilized natural language processing techniques (Word2Vec and LSA) to conduct a longitudinal analysis of over 60,000 real consumer reviews from Booking.com between 2020 and 2023. This study confirms that continuous improvements in green attributes result in significant positive spillovers to location scores, while any degradation triggers strong negative spillovers. More critically, consumer environmental involvement (CEI) acts as an amplifier in this process, with high-involvement consumers reacting more intensely to both types of signals. The research further uncovers complex non-linear threshold characteristics in the spillover effect, subverting traditional linear management thinking. These findings not only provide a dynamic and psychologically deep theoretical explanation for sustainable consumption behavior but also offer forward-thinking practical implications for hoteliers on how to strategically manage dynamic signals to maximize brand value. Full article

In the era of homogenized competition, brand knowledge has become a critical factor that influences consumer purchasing decisions. However, traditional single-layer network models fail to capture the multi-dimensional semantic relationships embedded in brand-related textual data. To address this gap, this study proposes a BKMN framework integrating TF-IDF and TextRank algorithms for comprehensive brand knowledge discovery. By analyzing 19,875 consumer reviews of a mobile phone brand from JD website, we constructed a tri-layer network comprising TF-IDF-derived keywords, TextRank-derived keywords, and their overlapping nodes. The model incorporates co-occurrence matrices and centrality metrics (degree, closeness, betweenness, eigenvector) to identify semantic hubs and interlayer associations. The results reveal that consumers prioritize attributes such as “camera performance”, “operational speed”, “screen quality”, and “battery life”. Notably, the overlap layer exhibits the highest node centrality, indicating convergent consumer focus across algorithms. The network demonstrates small-world characteristics (average path length = 1.627) with strong clustering (average clustering coefficient = 0.848), reflecting cohesive consumer discourse around key features. Meanwhile, this study proposes the Mul-LSTM model for sentiment analysis of reviews, achieving a 93% sentiment classification accuracy, revealing that consumers have a higher proportion of positive attitudes towards the brand’s cell phones, which provides a quantitative basis for enterprises to understand users’ emotional tendencies and optimize brand word-of-mouth management. This research advances brand knowledge modeling by synergizing heterogeneous algorithms and multilayer network analysis. Its practical implications include enabling enterprises to pinpoint competitive differentiators and optimize marketing strategies. Future work could extend the framework to incorporate sentiment dynamics and cross-domain applications in smart home or cosmetic industries. Full article

Aroma is an important indicator for evaluating the quality of baijiu. In this study, we determined the aroma-active compounds in four representative brands of strong-aroma baijiu from Sichuan and Jianghuai regions through GC-MS/O, and GC-TOF-MS quantification. In addition, the non-volatile composition of four baijiu samples was quantified by BSTFA derivatization and GC-MS. By constructing a full recombination model containing both volatile and non-volatile components, the effect of different groups of non-volatile compounds on the aroma of strong-aroma baijiu was evaluated through recombination-omission tests. A total of 72 aroma-active compounds and 59 non-volatile compounds were identified and quantified. The results indicated that pyrazines, furfural, and furan derivatives displayed higher aroma intensities in strong-aroma baijiu produced in Sichuan compared to that produced in Jianghuai. The recombination model that included both aroma-active and non-volatile compounds showed a closer resemblance to the original baijiu samples, underscoring the critical role these compounds play in shaping the dominant aroma profile of strong-aroma baijiu. Non-volatile compounds significantly influenced six aroma attributes: fruity, sweet, sauce, pit, acidic, and alcoholic notes. Omission tests revealed that among posorly volatile organic acids, monobasic acids had distinct effects on the aroma profile, while dibasic acids did not show any noticeable influence on the sensory characteristics. Full article

In today’s competitive environment of online service industries, particularly e-commerce, meeting consumer expectations is essential for service providers to ensure service quality. However, service failures are unavoidable, leading to unfavorable consequences for businesses. Understanding the mechanisms for customer recovery after negative service experiences is crucial. Using cognitive–emotional personality systems theory and benign violation theory, this study constructed a theoretical model. A total of 351 samples were collected through a situational simulation experiment for a linear regression analysis. A self-mocking response strategy positively influenced brand trust through perceived brand authenticity regarding the dimensions of credibility, integrity, and symbolism. Simultaneously, brand trust was identified as a key driver of post-recovery satisfaction. This study proposes a chain mediation model, which incorporates perceived authenticity and brand trust, to fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying consumers’ satisfaction after service recovery. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the effects of self-mockery on post-recovery satisfaction, as well as suggestions for marketers seeking efficient means to meet consumers’ emotional and cognitive demands during service recovery situations. Full article

With growing environmental consciousness and projections that green markets will represent 10% of global market value by 2030, a significant gap persists between consumers’ stated environmental concerns and their actual purchasing behaviour for green products. This study investigates how green brand positioning influences consumer purchase intention for green technology products, examining the mediating roles of self-image congruence and functional congruence, and the moderating effects of product involvement level and product optionality. A quantitative survey was conducted with 354 US participants who possess at least a bachelor’s degree and have experience with technology products, using validated scales through structural equation modelling and mediation analysis. The findings demonstrate a significant positive relationship between green brand positioning and purchase intention. Self-image congruence partially mediated this relationship, while functional congruence also served as a significant mediator. The product involvement level positively moderated the mediation effect of self-image congruence, whereas product optionality negatively moderated the mediation effect of functional congruence. Green brand positioning effectively enhances purchase intention when consumers perceive alignment with their environmental self-image and when products maintain a functional equivalence to non-green alternatives. Companies should focus on building environmental self-congruence while ensuring product quality to maximise green marketing effectiveness and bridge the intention–behaviour gap. Full article

Physiotherapy is challenged to be a profession with competencies in humanized skills and aptitudes. The need to integrate the learning of sustainable soft skills and humanistic education into higher education curricula has recently been emphasized to improve the capabilities of future healthcare professionals. Our objective was to psychometrically evaluate the Invisible Care, Well-being, Security, and Autonomy (CIBISA) scale in the context of physiotherapy through a pilot study involving students undertaking a degree in physiotherapy. The Delphi method was used over two rounds, and a focus group was convened to achieve a consensus on the adaptation of the CIBISA nursing scale to assess physiotherapy (CIBISA-F). For the psychometric validation of the CIBISA-F scale, the data-collection instruments used were the adapted CIBISA-F scale and two more validated scales related to soft skills. The scales were answered by 25 students at three different times, twice before the start of the clinical placements and once after. The results showed high internal consistency (α = 0.911), adequate reliability according to a Brand–Altman plot, and an adequate construct validity and sensitivity in comparison to other tools. The results of the present study suggest that this version of the CIBISA-F scale is a useful and reliable tool for measuring humanization skills in healthcare and physiotherapy students during their clinical placements, ensuring high-quality education. Full article

In the context of the rapid digital transformation of the catering industry, the design of ordering interfaces—key hubs of human–computer interaction—has become critical to user service quality and brand competitiveness, especially in terms of usability, visual appeal, and emotional resonance. Based on a human–computer interaction design framework, this study proposes a dual-path optimization model integrating user demand mapping and conflict resolution to synergize explicit need translation with innovative design problem solving. The model employs KE to capture implicit user needs, applies AHP to construct a weighted design element system, and uses QFD to establish a matrix linking user needs with technical attributes. To address contradictions among design elements, TRIZ is introduced to resolve conflicts between functional redundancy and interaction efficiency. Additionally, generative AI tools such as MidJourney are incorporated to accelerate concept generation and improve innovation. Based on user evaluations and controlled experiments, the optimized design demonstrates measurable improvements in task efficiency and visual appeal. Overall, the dual-path approach effectively bridges the gap between vague user needs and concrete design solutions, achieving a balanced integration of functionality, aesthetics, and interactivity. The proposed model overcomes the limitations of experience-driven design by offering a systematic methodology encompassing demand analysis, technological transformation, conflict resolution, and intelligent generation, with practical value for enhancing the user experience of digital service touchpoints in the catering sector. Full article

In recent years, online retailing platforms (ORPs) have increasingly introduced private brand (PB) products as a new profit source, reshaping market dynamics and affecting their commission revenues. This shift creates a strategic trade-off for the platform: maximizing PB product profits while maintaining commission income from national brand (NB) retailers. This paper examines the platform’s pricing and quality strategies for PB products, as well as its incentives to introduce them. We develop a game-theoretic model featuring a platform and a retailer, and derive results through equilibrium analysis and comparative statics. Special attention is given to the platform’s strategy when market power is asymmetric and the PB product is homogeneous. The analysis yields three key findings. Firstly, the platform is always incentivized to introduce a PB product, regardless of its brand value. Even when direct profit is limited, the platform can leverage the PB product to increase competitive pressure on the retailer and boost commission revenue. Secondly, when the PB product has low brand value, the platform adopts a cost-saving strategy with low quality for extremely low brand value, and a function-enhancing strategy with high quality for moderately low brand value. Thirdly, when the PB product has high brand value, the platform consistently prefers a function-enhancing strategy. This study contributes to the literature by systematically characterizing the platform’s strategic trade-offs in introducing PB products, highlighting its varied pricing and quality strategies across categories, and revealing the critical role of brand value in supply chain competition. Full article

Online travel agencies (OTAs) function as e-commerce platforms that facilitate transactions between accommodation providers and consumers, enabling users to efficiently search for, compare, and book travel and lodging services. As the number of OTAs continues to grow, delivering superior service quality has become essential for increasing customer repurchase intentions. Despite its significance, existing research has primarily focused on factors such as website quality, pricing strategies, brand image, and perceived value as determinants of repurchase intention. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the alignment between online information disclosure and customers’ actual offline experiences. To address this gap, the present study introduces the concept of the information disclosure gap and examines its effects on search cost, customer satisfaction, and trust, as well as the subsequent influence of these variables on repurchase intention. A questionnaire-based survey method was conducted with individuals in Taiwan who had prior experience using OTAs, yielding 365 valid responses. This study offers practical insights and recommendations for both OTAs and accommodation providers aimed at reducing the information disclosure gap and strengthening customer repurchase intention. Full article

Donkey milk has received increasing attention in recent years due to its unique nutritional composition and potential biological activities. This comprehensive review analyzed the main nutritional components of donkey milk, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while also examining its significant biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. The protein profile of donkey milk is notable for its high proportion of whey proteins (55–65%), resembling human milk more closely than cow milk. Its relatively low-fat content (approximately 1.29%) with higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids provides nutritional advantages for specific dietary needs. The carbohydrate content, primarily lactose, contributes to energy provision and calcium absorption. Donkey milk is also distinguished by its rich vitamin profile, particularly vitamin C (about 4.75 times higher than cow milk), and essential minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. The biological activities of donkey milk extend to various applications in infant nutrition, particularly for children with cow milk protein allergies, potential medical treatments for infections and inflammatory conditions, and cosmetic formulations. Despite these promising attributes, the donkey milk industry faces challenges including low milk yield, lack of standardized production methods, and quality control measures. The sustainable development of the donkey milk industry requires comprehensive approaches to resource protection, technological innovation, brand building, and supportive policies to realize its full potential in contributing to human health and economic development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Beef is a significant dietary component, and the concept of food quality is inherently complex and multidimensional. This study addresses this complexity within the context of beef products by examining four key attributes: price fairness, freshness, portion size, and packaging. It further investigates the structural relationships among food quality, consumer trust, and revisit intention, with particular attention to the moderating role of price fairness in the link between trust and revisit intention. Methods: Data were collected through an online survey administered via the Clickworker platform, targeting 415 U.S. consumers selected for their cultural relevance and substantial beef consumption. Structural equation modeling using maximum likelihood estimation was employed to test the hypotheses, and Hayes’ process model 15 was applied to assess the moderating effects. Results: The results show that consumer trust is positively influenced by all four quality attributes, and that freshness, portion size, packaging, and trust are positively associated with revisit and repurchase intentions. Moreover, price fairness demonstrated a significant moderating effect, framed within the heuristic decision-making perspective. Conclusions: This study contributes to the literature by shedding light on the determinants of consumer trust and repeat purchasing behavior in beef consumption. It underscores the heuristic role of price fairness and the interplay between perceived quality attributes and trust, offering practical insights for businesses seeking to enhance consumer perception and foster brand loyalty. However, this work is limited to the selection of the sample. Full article